Q: Is there anything I can do with outdated clothing besides give it away?

By Adam Glassman

Photo: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

A: Usually, I say purge long-neglected items, but in some cases you (or your tailor) can give them a second life. Crop trousers into feminine ankle-length pants, and add side slits to straight-legged styles. Hem a midcalf skirt to a more flattering knee-length. You can update a cardigan or coat by replacing neutral plastic buttons with colored, enamel, or rhinestone ones. And some updates are free: Wear a minidress, for instance, as a more age-appropriate tunic top.